Local News in Brief : Suicidal Man With Rifle Shot by Officer
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A Los Angeles policeman wounded a suicidal man who threatened the officer with a loaded rifle Tuesday, authorities said.
Curt MacLean, 21, was in critical condition at Northridge Hospital Medical Center with wounds to the arms and abdomen, Lt. William D. Hall said. MacLean’s mother called the 911 emergency line about 2:45 p.m., saying that her son was trying to commit suicide and had a gun, Hall said. When Officer Charles Smith, 42, arrived at the house in the 10300 block of Oso Avenue in Chatsworth, MacLean was struggling with his mother on the front porch, Hall said.
MacLean pushed his mother aside and with rifle in hand approached Smith and threatened to shoot him, Hall said. When MacLean pointed the rifle at Smith, the 19-year veteran pulled his gun and fired five shots, Hall said.
MacLean’s mother told police that her son had been depressed for several days.
Hall said MacLean will be arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.
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